What a Weekend for GB Athletes!
30th March 2025
Last modified on April 10th, 2025
There’s a world title, a podium and glory for our GB snowsport athletes. It’s been quite a season and it’s not over yet. UPDATED
Title
Zoe Atkin has taken the Freeski Halfpipe World Championships title at the 2025 Freestyle World Championships in Engadin/St. Moritz in Switzerland.
She qualified in second place behind China’s Fanghui Li, and was in tenth place heading into her second run.
She then delivered a masterclass in performing under pressure to land a 93.50 run to take victory ahead of Li by just 0.5 points.
It confirms her ascent and standing as one of the finest Halfpipe skiers of her generation.
- Zoe Atkin (GBR) 93.50 – 2. Fanghui Li (CHN) 93.00 – 3. Cassie Sharpe (CAN) 88.00
“I feel amazing – I’m World Champion! I’m going to go celebrate, I’m going to eat all the Swiss chocolate I have in my bedroom, I’m going to have a drink out on the patio, I’m just so excited” said Zoe after her victory.
“I was so nervous going into my second run so to be able to put it down when the pressure was on felt so good, and to come back after I got third at my first World Champs and second at my second Champs, it just feels so good, I’m so excited.”
Zoe Atkin – World Championships – March 2025
The result gives Atkin a third World Championships medal.
It follows a bronze in the 2021 World Championships and then silver at the 2023 edition.
Podium
Charlotte Bankes took silver in the Women’s Snowboard Cross at the Freestyle World Championships in St. Moritz/Engadin.
Progressing in first place from her Quarter and Semi Final races, Bankes recovered from an early setback in a tense Big Final to lead into the final straight.
However she was overhauled on the line by Michela Moioli of Italy.
It gives Bankes her first individual World Championships medal since 2021 in Idre Fjall.
She came second in Salt Lake City in 2019, and won Team SBX gold alongside Huw Nightingale in Bakuriani in 2023.
- Michaela Moili (ITA) – 2. Charlotte Bankes (GBR) – 3. Julia Pereira de Sousa (FRA)
Charlotte Bankes. Image c/o Miha Matavz/FIS
“We knew our tactics today, we knew bank three was important to generate the speed for the bottom, and that I had to be patient and focus on myself,” said Charlotte.
“Unfortunately, in the Final, I’m a bit frustrated with my start, but I didn’t panic, focused on building speed, came back afterwards and happy to be in the fight until the finish.
“That was a strong final, Michela really deserves it, and I’m happy that I pushed her to the finish.”
Charlotte Bankes. Image c/o Miha Matavz/FIS
Glory
GB’s greatest ever alpine skier, Dave Ryding, has ended his season as the 13th best slalom skier in the world.
The final race has taken place in Sun Valley, Idaho.
“Sun Valley, what a great hidden gem in Idaho! Thanks for the hospitality, USA,” said Dave as the curtain came down on the season.
“My result was very much on trend for my last 3 races… some really good sections, but ultimately, not the whole run.
“Nonetheless I gave it my all and left everything on the hill.
“Finishing the World Cup campaign in the top 15 once again and ranked 13th in the World for Slalom.
“A solid reward for a year’s hard work.
“Many thanks to our coaches and personal that keep us on the road and make racing on the World Cup possible.”
PlanetSKI watched The Rocket at the start of the 24/25 season in Gurgl, Austria.
James Cove & Dave Ryding. Image c/o PlanetSKI
And while we are looking at our elite snowsport athletes, lets not forget the amazing season put in by the telemark skier, Jasmin Taylor.
She finished with 3 Crystal Globes and 14 podiums across World Cups and World Championships.
Here at PlanetSKI we will shortly have a full review of the season for GB athletes.
Do look out for that post, as it has been quite a season and bodes well for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026.
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